Sochi: Killing Dogs, Cats, to Impress the World

Welcome to another edition of Hisses and Purrs, where we run down the good, and not-so-good, news about the state of animal welfare around the world.

As always, Hissy Fit Jones starts us off with some news that makes even me hiss!

The hiss that’s heard around the world!

Hisses to the as-yet unknown individuals responsible for the death of over 400 amphibians and reptiles, many of which were endangered species. The dead were discovered among living animals in a crate at Tambo International Airport in South Africa. The crate originated from Madagascar and was headed to the US, where the animals were to be sold as exotic pets.

Hisses to government officials of Sochi for authorizing the killing of stray dogs and cats in the city ahead of the Olympics. Seems Sochi has ignored its stray problem before now, but has offered money for the killing of up to 2000 strays. One man who claimed to be the owner of an exterminating company described the stray dogs as biological trash.

Hisses to The Surabaya Zoo, the largest in Indonesia, for having yet another animal die in its care. This time it was a 3-year-old Komodo Dragon. Over 100 animals have died at the zoo since July, 2013. Animal welfare advocates are calling for the zoo to be closed, but so far, nothing has been done.

Oh Dog! I am so upset! June Buggie, I need some of your purrs to calm me back down!

The cat who would calm the stormiest sea!

Purrs to those who have donated to the reward fund to find and prosecute the person or persons responsible for the deaths of a husky and cat in Calgary. Both animals were found with their muzzles taped shut. The cat also had a broken leg and tail. Authorities say a terrier was also seen with its muzzle taped shut, but so far they have been unable to trap the animal. I hope that when this person is found, they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Purrs to the Danish supermarket chain Superbest for deciding to no longer sell foie gras. They were the last chain to carry the product. Though legally sold there, animal welfare advocates have fought to change public opinion about the product, made from the fatty liver of geese. Foie gras is now only sold by a few independent retailers in the country.

Purrs to Microsoft for partnering with Animals Asia to help put an end to the cruel practice of bear bile farming. Microsoft has developed an interactive website to educate China’s children about the plight of moon bears. Because bear bile is used in traditional Chinese medicine, the best way to end the practice is to educate the children of today, so they don’t become the consumers of tomorrow. Over 10,000 bears are kept on bear bile farms in China, and over 2000 are kept on farms in Vietnam.

Thanks Buggie! I feel better already!

Do YOU have any hisses or purrs to share with us this week?

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A reminder that if you’ve not listened to the podcast of Jen’s interview with Paws to Talk’s Margot Ahlquist, you just GOTTA listen! Check it out at Paws to Talk!

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About rumpydog

I am a malamute that was rescued by Jen. I live with June Buggie the cat. I blog about animal welfare and responsible care of companion animals at rumpydog.com. You can follow me on Twitter - @RumpyDog. And don't forget to LIKE my Facebook page! Thanks!

Discussion

31 thoughts on “Sochi: Killing Dogs, Cats, to Impress the World”

I am pissed at Sochi… and China… for treating strays like biological trash. If they’ve managed it beforehand, problems like this would be at a minimal.

Recalling China’s brutal street bashing of strays and now, Sochi’s decision to pay for the immediate extermination of these strays makes me hiss more. Honestly, early extermination isn’t management; It’s a petty excuse to get the desired results without concern for living beings.

Truth is some areas of the US aren’t much different. They do nothing about the strays because they claim they can’t afford to, then when something happens, such as a child is injured, they start killing all strays.

I just saw the news about Sochi too. Terrible! Major kudos to Superbest to go against the flow! Applause to all those who stand for animals everywhere! Prayers that those who do harm are brought to justice. Hoping everyone realizes they can do something to help in their own way! Adopting from a local shelter helps. Speaking out helps. Buying a bag of pet food for a neighbor going through bad times, helps! Thank you for all you do Rumpy.

Great new to hear about Danish supermarket for foie gras story! I’ve been feeling so sorry for geese since I hear how foie gras was produced…I hope that the other countries where they have foie gras for dishes should follow he supermarket!

Therefore I will boycott this games and we signed the petition against the killing. I can’t believe that the slogan of this olympic games really says: ” Gateway to the future”, If the future looks like that, then better beam me up, Scotty.

OMD!! Taped mouths shut?! That is one of the cruelest things I have ever heard!!
Why are their such sick people in the world? I don’t understand….
And wow Sochi….really? Horrible, just horrible!
((Husky hugz))
Frum da pack at Love is being owned by a husky

I don’t know why the U.S. is participating in the Sochi games. Russia is no longer a democracy. Putin is a murderous thug. Russia’s anti-gay legislation, its prohibition against American adoption, its suppression of a free press, its support of the Assad regime, and on and on, makes it the equal of Nazi Germany. “…biological trash…” That phrase makes me shudder. They’ll be saying the same thing about gay people in the next few years. I plan to boycott the Sochi games from home. Shame on NBC! I wish I could wave a magic wand and give all those poor animals a good, safe home. This duct tape business has been occurring here in Pennsylvania too. How can people be so cruel? It makes me want to cry. I hope they can rescue that terrier before it’s too late and, like you, I hope they catch whoever is responsible and throw the book at them! Sorry for the long post. Russell